Premier Travel Inn (PTI), the UK’s biggest hotel brand known for its value-for-money prices, has broken ground at the Dubai Investment Park.
Its first property in Dubai, and first overseas investment outside of the UK, will be a 308-room hotel scheduled for completion in first quarter 2008. The building contract has been awarded to AMB Building LLC (AMBB), an established player in the UAE construction industry.
Premier Travel Inn’s international debut outside of the UK is operated under a joint venture between the Emirates Group, the largest aviation and travel services operator in the Middle East, and the UK’s leading hospitality group Whitbread Plc. The joint venture, PTI Gulf Hotels, recently secured AED 200 million financing from Emirates Bank International and the National Bank of Dubai for its first three developments in Dubai.
Darroch Crawford, Managing Director, PTI Gulf Hotels said: “We are forging ahead with our aggressive game plan, which is to bring 830 new rooms into the market over the next 18 months. In addition to Dubai Investment Park, we have also secured sites in Garhoud close to Dubai airport and in the Dubai Silicon Oasis. Tenders for PTI’s new developments are currently in progress.”
Andrew Wick, AMBB's Managing Partner said: ‘We are delighted to have been awarded PTI Gulf Hotels first project in the region. The management of AMBB and PTI Gulf Hotels are already realising the benefits of working together in a pragmatic manner and I am confident this will enable us to deliver the building on time and to the required quality. We see this project as a great opportunity for AMBB to demonstrate our capabilities and it will also serve to set a high standard for PTI’s forthcoming projects.’
Derek Swan, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Business Development said: “In tandem with the rapid economic development in the GCC, there is a huge and growing market for business and leisure travellers seeking high quality budget hotel accommodation. Premier Travel Inn has an excellent track record in providing a great value-for-money hospitality product, and we are confident that PTI Gulf Hotels are well-positioned to service this demand.”
"Over the next five years, we plan to develop eight to nine properties in Dubai and launch some 5,000 rooms throughout the GCC,” he added.
Premier Travel Inn is known for its guarantee of good quality rooms at value for money prices. All its hotels feature ensuite bathroom with shower and bath; king sized beds with duvet; remote control TV/radio alarm; tea/coffee making facilities; and a spacious desk area. Premier Travel Inn, which operates more than 480 budget hotels in the UK with over 32,000 rooms, is renowned for providing consistent guaranteed quality, achieving 80 per cent occupancy rates. Although the Premier Travel Inn GCC product will be to its same high UK standard, enhancements are planned including swimming pools. Room rates are expected to be in the region of Dhs 400 (US$ 111).
The Premier Travel Inn joint venture complements Emirates’ luxury hotel and serviced apartments management division, Emirates Hotels & Resorts, extending its hospitality portfolio into the budget hotel sector. Emirates has an existing relationship with Whitbread Plc through its franchise operation of the Whitbread Costa Coffee brand in the UAE and GCC.-ends
About Emirates
Emirates is the international airline of the United Arab Emirates, based in Dubai. Financially independent and thriving, Emirates has recorded a profit in every year except its second year of operation. Comprising an award-winning fleet of 103 aircraft which flies to 89 cities around the world, an international cargo division, a fully-fledged destination management and leisure division, an international ground handler and an airline IT developer, Emirates is characterised by two key features, continuous explosive growth and a constant focus on top quality service. Further information is available from: www.ekgroup.com
About Whitbread Plc
Whitbread PLC is the UK's leading hospitality company, managing market leading businesses in the budget hotels, restaurant and health & fitness sectors, including Premier Travel Inn, Brewers Fayre, Beefeater, Costa and David Lloyd Leisure. Whitbread's strategy is to create value for our shareholders by focusing investment and growing in expanding sectors of the hospitality industry, primarily in the UK but also in selected overseas markets. Founded in 1742, the company is listed on the London Stock Exchange (as WTB.L) and is a member of the FTSE4Good indices.
About Premier Travel Inn
Premier Travel Inn is the UK’s biggest hotel brand with over 480 hotels and more than 32,500 rooms. All Premier Travel Inns feature: en-suite bathroom with shower and bath; beds with duvet; family rooms that sleep up to two adults and two children aged 15 and under; remote control TV/radio alarm; tea/coffee making facilities; spacious desk area; licensed restaurant and bar (except on Motorway Service Areas).
Premier Travel Inn recently became the first Britain-wide hotel group to sign up with national tourist boards, VisitBritain, VisitScotland and VisitWales. This means that Premier Travel Inn is now part of a new quality assessment scheme, specially created for budget accommodation. Premier Travel Inn offers customers a ‘Good Night Guarantee’ of a good quality room, comfortable surroundings and friendly service, which is unique amongst Britain’s leading hotel chains. Further information is available from www.premiertravelinn.com
